More than just the music…

Kelly Clarkson’s new record is getting critically hammered. Off the success of her last effort, the expectation was that she’d take the same formula and churn out another list of 4 or 5 hits. Instead, Kelly decided to write her own stuff, even if it meant staying off the charts and pissing off Clive Davis. The result will likely not be commercially viable, especially not with the negative press.

But here’s the thing: Avril Lavigne’s new album (as unoriginal and obnoxious as she is) is considered “listenable” music – getting radio play, selling healthy numbers…and still, Avril Lavigne sucks ass. Avril Lavigne is a tool. Avril Lavigne is miles from real.

So perhaps then it’s ok if someone real puts out something sh-tty? Especially since Kelly arrived at sh-tty by actually being authentic? I think I just might buy her CD on the basis of that alone…

Kelly in next month’s Elle - refreshingly insightful comments and a slightly f&ck you attitude without resorting to the dreaded middle finger characteristic of Avril and her one trick pony.

How she deals with fame and success:“It is weird when a 12-year-old tells me I am their favorite artist. I’m always like, It’s just because you’re young and you haven’t heard everybody yet. In time, I’ll be weeded out. And that’s cool. I know I’m a good singer, but I know who I am, too.”

Professional ethics, unlike Lindsay Lohan:“I tend to be early. I’m not patient. I have no tolerance for stupidity. I work too much. All my conversations revolve around my job. So I’m boring.”

Her non-Hollywood body and how it feels to have it photographed for public consumption and criticism: “I’m fine with it. I just don’t care. I don’t wear makeup in public. I don’t worry about what I’m wearing. Hell, I wore pajamas in high school.”

Fighting for her music because it’s HER music:“I’ve sold more than 15 million records worldwide, and still nobody listens to what I have to say. Because I’m 25 and a woman.”

Turning down a $10 million offer from Clive Davis to ditch her own songs in favour of the poppy ones:“I am a good singer, so I can’t possibly be a good writer. Women can’t possibly be good at two things. I haven’t lost my temper about it. It only drives me more. If your thing is to bring me down, cool. I’ll just work harder."

That’s the kicker, isn’t it? How many of us would turn down $10 million? I know I wouldn’t. I’d say bring on the bullsh-t and give me my cheque. But Kelly didn’t. So you see why I’m buying her CD? In this day and age of rehab and prison and divorce and hair extensions, why not more love for Kelly Clarkson, if for no other reason than to only to back up our own criticism?

Because if we hate Paris and if Britney is beyond, shouldn"t Kelly Clarkson be Plan A? source